The problem of substance abuse is widespread in many countries and Canada is no exception.
And while it is impossible for government authorities and health organizations to solve the problem overnight, you can prevent yourself and your loved ones from falling into substance addiction. How?
Know a few of the myths and facts about substance abuse and its treatment.
Myth #1 – Substance abuse is a voluntary act.
Fact – Substance abuse starts as a voluntary act. A person takes in a substance during the first few times, voluntarily. Then, he or she enjoys the feeling brought about by the substance and craves for more.
The person’s brain and body get used to the substance. And because its effects seem lessened over time, the person increases his or her intake. While the effects and dependency on the substance increase, the person eventually cannot control the cravings and ends up getting addicted.
Myth #2 – There is one perfect treatment for all cases of substance abuse.
Fact – There is no one perfect treatment for all substance abuse cases. Substance abusers have varying treatment needs that are determined by the following factors:
- Type of substance abused
- Severity of the addiction
- Person’s age and gender
- Person’s other co-existing mental and physical health problems
- Person’s willingness to recover
- Person’s social support
So that a person’s specific treatment needs are satisfied, a rehab center must take the above factors into consideration and design an appropriate treatment plan.
Otherwise, the treatment will be ineffective and the person can fall into addiction, again.
Myth #3 – A person should be willing to cooperate during treatment for it to be effective.
Fact – A person suffering from addiction will still recover even without wanting to cooperate during treatment.
Especially when they are well-planned and tailored according to a person’s needs, treatments can prevent a person from going back to criminal activity or have continuous cravings.
In addition, treatments can help a person become healthy, active, and productive again even without wanting to cooperate.
